What makes some senior living communities feel like home while others just feel like a place to live? The answer might be simpler than you think – it’s all about the people who make your day brighter.
At Holiday Redbud Hills in Bloomington, Indiana, residents ask the same question every day: “Is Ian working tonight?” That simple question tells you everything you need to know about what great senior living looks like.
The Ian test: what makes staff special
Ian Steinmetz started working at Holiday as a part-time job during high school. Once he got to know the residents, something clicked – he discovered that he loves taking care of people. And residents? They absolutely love him back.
“There was one resident who had trouble remembering things,” Ian shares. “Every time I came in, I’d ask her my name, and she’d remember after a few minutes. It made me feel like I belonged here.”
When you’re wondering how to choose a senior living community, this is exactly what you want to hear. You want staff who don’t just do their jobs – you want people who genuinely care about you as a person.
What great senior living actually looks like
So what does Ian do that makes residents light up? He prepares coffee, sets up the dining room and takes meal orders. Sounds pretty standard, right?
Here’s where it gets good. Mary Blades, the community’s General Manager, has watched Ian shovel snow off residents’ cars and scrape ice off windshields – without being asked. That’s not in his job description. He just saw people who needed help and jumped in.
This is how you know you’ve found a great retirement community: when staff treat you like family, not just another resident.
The real signs of quality senior living
When you’re touring communities and asking, “What should I look for in a senior living home?”, here’s what really matters:
Do staff members know your name?
Ian doesn’t just remember names – he builds real relationships. That resident who had trouble remembering? She remembered his name because he took time to connect with her every single day.
Do they go beyond the basics?
Anyone can serve dinner. But does someone notice when you seem a little down and take an extra moment to chat? Do they remember how you like your coffee?
Is there genuine warmth?
You can feel it the moment you walk in. At Holiday, residents don’t just ask if Ian’s working – they get excited about it.
Why this matters for your decision
Choosing a senior living community is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. You’re not just picking a place to live – you’re choosing the people who will be part of your daily life. And here’s what Ian’s story teaches us about what makes a community special.
“Patience is key,” Ian says about working in senior living. “Getting the job done right, but doing it kindly. Building relationships.”
Mary puts it simply, “It’s all about caring. The work teaches our staff respect and thoughtfulness.”
When staff members love what they do, it shows. And when they love where they work, residents feel that positive energy every single day.
Your questions answered
“How do I know if a senior living community is right for me?”
Visit during different times of day. Watch how staff interact with residents. Do they seem rushed, or do they take time for real conversations?
“What’s the difference between good and great senior living?”
Great communities have staff like Ian – people who chose this work because they find purpose in caring for others.
“Will I actually be happy in senior living?”
When you find the right place with the right people, you’ll understand why Holiday residents ask about Ian every day. You’ll have your own favorite staff members who brighten your days.
Ready to see the Holiday difference?
Schedule a tour at a Holiday by Atria location near you. Meet the staff, chat with residents and see if you get that same warm feeling that makes Holiday residents in Bloomington ask, “Is Ian working tonight?”
Your perfect retirement community is waiting – and so are the wonderful people who will make it feel like home.
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